Whether you have a furnace, heat pump, or central air conditioning system, regular maintenance is essential for keeping your heating system running efficiently and effectively. By taking proactive steps now, you can ensure a comfortable and cozy home throughout the colder months ahead.
At Anchor Heating & Air, we have over 50 years of experience in Metro-Atlanta’s HVAC industry, specializing in all types of heating and cooling systems. In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through essential steps for transitioning from cooling to heating, covering air conditioners, heat pumps, and furnaces. With our expert tips and recommendations, you'll be well-prepared to face whatever winter has in store.
Shutting Down Your Air Conditioner
Before you switch to heating mode, it's crucial to properly shut down your air conditioning system. This ensures that your AC unit is protected during the colder months and ready for next summer. Since it’s possible that you’ll need to use your AC at some point throughout the winter, we don’t recommend turning off the power to the system, however we do suggest cleaning the outdoor unit. Remove branches, leaves, and other debris from around the system and gently spray the unit with a hose to remove dirt and dust.
Transitioning Heat Pumps to Heat Mode
Whether you have a central heat pump or a ductless system, transitioning it to heating mode is essential as temperatures drop.
- Switch the thermostat - Change your thermostat setting from "Cool" to "Heat" mode.
- Check refrigerant levels - Low refrigerant can reduce efficiency and damage your system. If you recognize signs of a leak, like hissing or frozen coils, contact our professional technicians.
- Clean the outdoor unit - Similar to AC units, remove debris and clean the heat pump's exterior unit. However, if you’re also utilizing your heat pump for home heating, do not cover the unit.
Preparing Your Furnace
For homeowners with furnaces, proper preparation is key to ensuring reliable warmth throughout winter.
- Test the system - Turn on your furnace and listen for any unusual noises. Check that warm air is flowing from all vents. If you suspect an issue, call for heating repair now before it worsens.
- Inspect the flue pipe - Ensure the flue pipe is properly connected and free from damage or corrosion.
- Check carbon monoxide detectors - Test and replace batteries in all carbon monoxide detectors.
General Heating System Maintenance
In addition to specific preparations for each system type, there are general maintenance tasks that apply to any HVAC system.
- Replace the air filter - Install a clean air filter every 30-60 days to ensure proper airflow and efficiency.
- Program your thermostat - Install or set your programmable thermostat to lower temperatures and schedule changes when you're asleep or away to save energy.
- Keep vents clear - Ensure furniture and curtains aren't blocking air flow from vents.
- Monitor energy bills - Unexpected increases may indicate system inefficiencies.
Schedule Professional Heating System Tune-Ups with Anchor
While DIY maintenance is important, nothing replaces the expertise of a professional HVAC technician. At Anchor Heating & Air, we recommend scheduling annual maintenance to:
- Ensure safe operation of your heating system
- Optimize energy efficiency
- Extend the lifespan of your equipment
- Catch potential issues before they become costly repairs
Our team of Trane Comfort Specialists can perform a comprehensive inspection and tune-up of your heating system. We offer further peace of mind with our EZ Pay Program, which includes tune-ups, discounts on repairs, and more.
Don't wait until the first cold snap to discover issues with your heating system. Contact Anchor Heating & Air today to schedule your fall maintenance appointment and ensure a warm, comfortable home all winter long.